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A review by knittyreader
What I Want To Talk About: How Autistic Interests Shape A Life by Pete Wharmby
5.0
There are a lot of books about autism. Not enough by far of those are written by autistic adults, and even less are about adults. This is the kind of book we all really, really need.
I noticed myself nodding and humming at about everything I read. From having a stim that is not often recognized (for me it's knitting instead of Lego blocks) to having more empathy than is good for me, I knew it all. I love how it is all tied to special interests, and how those special interests can help us get through life as guides, examples, and also safe havens. I learned how to recognize that feeling when I have been reading for hours on end and life seems so far off and unreal, and that I am not the only one feeling that way. I sight when I read about teaching and the fear before every lesson - as I stopped my teacher training in the last year as my trainer in apprenticeship predicted an outcome like Pete experienced. I am still thankful she steered me on a different course, although it still took six years and another burn-out before I knew I was autistic.
All in all I highly recommend reading this book to anyone who wants some true and experienced insights in how autistic brains can work.
I noticed myself nodding and humming at about everything I read. From having a stim that is not often recognized (for me it's knitting instead of Lego blocks) to having more empathy than is good for me, I knew it all. I love how it is all tied to special interests, and how those special interests can help us get through life as guides, examples, and also safe havens. I learned how to recognize that feeling when I have been reading for hours on end and life seems so far off and unreal, and that I am not the only one feeling that way. I sight when I read about teaching and the fear before every lesson - as I stopped my teacher training in the last year as my trainer in apprenticeship predicted an outcome like Pete experienced. I am still thankful she steered me on a different course, although it still took six years and another burn-out before I knew I was autistic.
All in all I highly recommend reading this book to anyone who wants some true and experienced insights in how autistic brains can work.